Are you tired of slow internet speeds and increasing ISP fees? According to a customer survey in 2023, ISPs were identified as the nation’s second-lowest-rated industry. Surprisingly they ranked lower than airlines, social media platforms, health insurance companies, and the US Postal Service. However, we often find ourselves with fewer options and alternatives. Could 5G be the solution?
In the coming years, every smartphone and device will likely have 5G capability. 5G represents the generation of connectivity and promises lightning-fast webpage loading speeds, file downloads, and video streaming capabilities that surpass what 4G could offer.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that in terms of speed (though not stability), 5G could potentially rival Wi-Fi networks.
Keeping that in mind, you may be wondering if 5G is beneficial for gaming. The answer is yes but with some limitations. While 5G may not always be superior to standards for gaming in every scenario; however, it does present a significant improvement over its predecessor (4G) and can greatly enhance your gaming experience.
In this article, we will explore what 5G is, the benefits it offers, and how you can make the most out of it for your gaming experience.
Table of Contents
What is 5G?
5G refers to the generation network with 5G NR (New Radio) serving as the air interface that enables its functionality to take over from 4G LTE. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), an industry standards organization, developed the specifications for 5G.
The completion of Release 15 of these specifications occurred in 2018, followed by the completion of Release 16 in June 2020.
Like its predecessor, 4G, 5G is a mobile network that supports mobile broadband services. However, it harnesses radio frequency (RF) waves that were not accessible in the realm of 4G.
Nonetheless, both generations operate on a similar principle; networks are divided into cells, and devices establish cellular connectivity by connecting to radio waves emitted by a node installed by carriers. The significant advantages offered by 5G compared to its predecessor include increased capacity, wider bandwidths, and higher speeds.
Why is 5G Internet Good For Gaming?
5G is an option for gaming as it provides latency and faster download speeds compared to 4G mobile networks, making it a true competitor to fiber broadband. One of its advantages is its portability since you can play games anywhere there’s a network signal giving it an edge over fixed-line broadband connections.
Here are a few reasons why 5G internet is good for gaming:
1. Reduced Latency
5G networks already offer higher ping times compared to 4G mobile networks, and they are rapidly catching up with fiber broadband. When interacting with the server, low latency influences how quickly your actions are registered in the game.
In essence, having a high ping means your actions will take longer to be reflected in the game.
When it comes to speed, 5G is capable of reaching up to 10 Gbps per second, surpassing the Wi-Fi connections of people. This means that in time we could potentially experience a decrease in latency of around 15 milliseconds which can make a difference when it comes to gaming accuracy.
You might wonder if you can rely on 5G and replace your Wi-Fi connection. It’s important not to rush into that decision.
While the coverage of 5G is impressive, there will still be areas where obtaining a signal might be challenging. In some cases, relying on Wi-Fi is a more reliable alternative to ensure stability, even if the speeds aren’t as remarkable. Fortunately, there is a solution.
Before you start gaming, simply check your connection using a website for checking speeds. Ensure that it is both stable and fast. It’s always recommended to run tests for added assurance. If all the results are positive, then you can go ahead. Enjoy your gaming session!
2. Faster Downloads
Considering the fact that 5G has the capability to achieve download speeds of 10 Gbps, downloading games becomes incredibly easy. However, it’s important to keep two things in mind. Firstly, 10 Gbps should not be confused with 10 gigabytes per second; it actually refers to gigabits per second.
To provide a conversion of 10 Gbps is approximately equal to 1.3 gigabytes per second which is still incredibly fast. Secondly, it’s worth noting that the mentioned speed of 10 Gbps was achieved under controlled laboratory conditions. In real-world scenarios, you may not consistently attain high speeds.
In general mobile games tend to have download sizes. Therefore if you are lucky enough to experience a speed of 10 Gbps, downloading a huge game will take a matter of seconds for you.
However, it is advisable to have a data allowance since these downloads can consume a portion of your allocated data capacity. Before you know it, you might find yourself with no remaining data for streaming videos or listening to music.
3. 5G Dongle
5G is not limited to gaming, but it also offers other options, such as 5G mobile dongles and 5G broadband routers. With these options, you may use PCs and home consoles to play games at the speed and capacity of a 5G network.
Additionally, you can use your phone as an internet hotspot, enabling devices to connect and share their internet connection. However, keep in mind that this will consume an amount of data, so make sure you have a data allowance.
According to several game creators, 5G symbolizes the future of gaming and may ultimately render consoles and other types of gaming gear obsolete. This opinion is supported by the possibility of lightning-fast cloud gaming enabled by 5G technology.
Currently, unstable internet connections pose challenges for gamers when it comes to gaming. However, with robust cloud servers and machines available for game streaming, gamers may no longer need to invest in consoles; instead, they can opt for cloud-based gaming platforms.
How Can You Start 5G Gaming?
One of the ways to start gaming on 5G is by downloading a game on a phone that supports 5G. Most modern high-end phones are compatible with 5G, but it’s always a good idea to double-check by visiting a reputable phone review website before making your decision.
Alternatively, you have the option to purchase 5G routers, dongles, and other devices that enable 5G connectivity. This way, you can enjoy gaming on 5G in the comfort of your home.
Additionally, don’t forget that you can also set up your device as a hotspot allowing other devices to connect to your internet instead of relying solely on traditional Wi-Fi. The possibilities for enjoying 5G gaming are truly endless!
Limitations of 5G
One major disadvantage is the possibility of losing connection. The quality of connections relies on the networks they are associated with. Some networks offer more stable and reliable connections than others. For instance, if you choose a budget 5G plan, you might experience frequent network dropouts compared to larger service providers.
If you use tethering, you will notice that the battery of your phone drains rapidly, requiring charging which can be inconvenient. Additionally, depending on your location, the 5G speeds may not be significantly better than Wi-Fi. In some cases, it may not be worth changing your setup just for the sake of 5G.
While there are drawbacks to 5G gaming, overall, it presents an opportunity that is likely to become even more thrilling over time!
Future of 5G in Gaming
Despite the challenges it presents, there is no denying the potential of 5G technology to revolutionize the gaming industry. As the infrastructure for 5G continues to expand, and more devices become 5G-ready, we can expect improvements within the gaming community.
Cloud Gaming Domination: Cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia, Microsoft xCloud, and NVIDIA GeForce now stand to benefit from 5G. With its latency and high speeds, cloud gaming can offer console-quality gameplay even on low-end devices. This accessibility democratizes gaming for an audience.
The Rise of Mobile Esports: Thanks to 5G’s ability to support large-scale multiplayer environments, we might witness growth in Esports. This means that tournaments and competitions on devices could gain popularity, captivating a whole new generation of Esports enthusiasts.
Immersive VR Gaming: The low latency and high bandwidth capabilities of 5G will pave the way for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences within gaming. Players will be able to immerse themselves in worlds with smooth interactions that respond instantly.
Connected Gaming Ecosystems: With 5G enabling connectivity across a range of devices, we will see a convergence between the Internet of Things (IoT) and gaming. This will result in interconnected gaming ecosystems where gamers can expect experiences through integration with other smart devices.
Summary
With the arrival of 5G, gamers can bid farewell to issues like latency and connectivity problems. The blazing-fast speeds ensure continuous gaming experiences. Moreover, the enhanced real-time responsiveness and reduced latency provide players with an edge and help to enhance their overall gaming performance.
As the reach and accessibility of 5G continue to expand, gamers can look forward to exciting advancements in the gaming industry. Some of the innovations include enhanced virtual reality experiences, improved AI capabilities, and seamless integration between gaming and other devices.
Undoubtedly, the 5G Internet is revolutionizing the gaming landscape elevating the gaming experience to heights and offering players an array of exploration possibilities.
Chris loves technology, specifically smart home technology! With both hands-on and executive leadership experience in his corporate career, Chris stays abreast of emerging technology and solutions and immerses himself in BCCA when not in the office.